Adam
“What do you mean she’s not coming?” Roxy jolts upright, her voice slicing through the restaurant buzz.
I’m sitting at a cozy table in the corner, staring at my cousin and her husband, Justin, across from me. Miss Jenny’s restaurant is humming with activity, and there’s a line forming at the front door. The scent of home cooking is prevalent among the chatter of patrons and the clattering of silverware on china.
“She’s knee deep in a project and asked not to be disturbed,” I say, my voice barely steady as I avoid her gaze.
“Well, did you tell her it was us you were meeting for dinner? We came all this way.”
I lift my head and lock eyes with Roxy. Her gaze bores into me, and her lips purse. Then she blurts, “You messed it up, didn’t you? You aren’t a couple anymore.”
Justin slips his arm across Roxy’s shoulders. “Don’t jump to any conclusions. Adam said she’s working.”
Roxy’s expression twists as her voice drops. “Or Keri’s mad at us for what happened,” she mutters, her fingers picking at her napkin.
I shake my head, anxiety tightening my chest, and I’m about to tell her the entire story. But we’re interrupted by Miss Jenny herself, stopping by our table.
“Hey, Roxy. Hey, Justin. How’s your room? Are y’all enjoying Heartsboro?” Her red lips accentuate her sunny smile before she adds, “Hi, Adam.”
“Hey, Miss Jenny.” I’m thankful she doesn’t ask where Keri is.
“Our room is lovely, thank you so much,” Justin says.
“The Hummingbird Suite is divine,” Roxy beams. “I love the tin ceiling and the separate sitting area. The renovations you’ve done here are magnificent, Miss Jenny.”
“Why, thank you. Y’all are too kind.”
“And please keep talking,” Roxy giggles. “I just love your accent. It’s so friendly and polite.”
Miss Jenny waves her off. “Honey, you need to come back when I’m madder than a hornet. You might rethink the ‘friendly’ part.” We all laugh. “I hope Adam filled you in on our menu. We don’t serve any libations here. If you want a cocktail, you’ll have to go next door to my twin sister’s bar, The Tipsy Daisy. Janie is a hoot. You’ll love her.”
“We just might do that,” Roxy says. “Can I just say, I love your branding. I feel like I’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie.” She giggles, clearly enjoying herself. I’m thankful her mind is off Keri.
“Thank you, darlin’. Can I get y’all some sweet tea or a Co-Cola? I also have some specials happening tonight. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert.” She motions to a refurbished counter laden with cake domes. I spy the pink frosting of her strawberry cake immediately, my heart filling with dread.
“Of course, you can order any of my most popular entrees, including the pulled pork or salmon. They come with three sides,” Jenny continues. “But tonight I’ve also got a Tuscan meatloaf and a pot roast special going on.”
“Mmmm. Sounds amazing. I’m starving,” Justin says.
Miss Jenny leans lower and says, “They’re family recipes. Can’t go wrong with a Memaw special now, can ya?”
We chuckle, and I’m thankful for Miss Jenny’s congeniality. I hope my cousin and Justin remember this place fondly for a long time. They’re going to die when they taste the delicious food, especially the pink cake.
Miss Jenny takes our orders, leaving me to address Roxy’s intentional stare.
“What?”
“Tell me everything. Tell me the real reason why Keri isn’t here.”
My shoulders slump, and I know I’m not doing myself any favors by stalling. Instead, I tell her what happened. Every sordid detail. Keri posing for a dramatic photo at Feather Falls in her blue dress. How I shared it with Dan Combs, and how Mr. Jardo pirated a copy and put it on his website.
“Adam, I have an entire legal team in California that can shut this down with one phone call,” Justin eagerly offers. I’m touched that this man wants nothing more than to help me.
“It’s okay. We’ve already sent a cease and desist order. The photo has already been taken down from the Jardo website.”
“Thank goodness. So what’s the problem?” Roxy asks.
I run my hand through my hair and sigh. “Mr. Jardo wants Keri.”
